Utility Tractor Safety Tips
Your utility tractor is one of the most versatile machines so it’s no wonder that it is considered the backbone of agricultural enterprises and tackles a whole host of different tasks. Despite its rugged and reliable nature, there are some safety practices you should follow to ensure things go smoothly while you work!
Know Your Model
A lot of what we’re going to discuss below is applicable to most of the utility tractor models on the market but there could be certain safety steps that are different for your model. To find those, check your user manual and see if there are any specific safety recommendations.
You should also notice any safety labels or colors on the tractor body. Caution signs are yellow, warning signs are orange and danger is indicated by red. If you need to wear hearing or eye protection, make sure you do so before you begin the day.
Dress Right
Your utility tractor has moving components, as do the implements and attachments you use with it. To stay safe while working with your tractor, you have to wear the right kind of clothes. You should avoid wearing flowy or loose-fitting clothes because they can get caught in the moving parts of the machine.
If you’re wearing a shirt, tuck in the tails and avoid wearing scarves. Make sure that your shoes are sturdy and have non-skid soles. Use essential safety gear whenever needed, like heavy work gloves and safety glasses.
Avoid Rollovers
When you try to turn the tractor sharply or go up a very steep incline, the vehicle can end up on its side, which is called a sideways rollover. To increase protection, you can invest in a roll-over protection structure on the tractor. This helps keep the operator safe in case there is a rollover.
Some of the other things you can do are to avoid operating the tractor on a slope, take turns at moderate speeds, properly stabilize the tractor and avoid driving close to roadside ditches.
General Safety Tips
Before using the tractor, have a quick inspection checklist that all operators must perform. Ensure that all operators know how to balance and ballast load a tractor. Always start the tractor in an open or well-ventilated space. Before you start operating the tractor, ensure there are no humans or animals in the way, and always be aware of your blind spots.
We hope these tips will help you and any crew stay safe as you operate your utility tractor! If you’d like more information or want to check our selection of utility tractors for sale in Donna, TX, contact the sales department at Rivera's Machinery, Inc. and one of our expert staff will be happy to help you out! We’re proud to be the preferred tractor dealer of all our friends from Harlingen, McAllen, and San Benito.